Nanoantidotes: A Detoxification System More Applicable to Clinical Practice

A novel acceptor-donor-acceptor structured molecule-based nanosystem for tumor mild photothermal therapy

Although photothermal therapy (PTT) is effective at killing tumor cells, it can inadvertently damage healthy tissues surrounding the tumor. Nevertheless, lowering the treatment temperature will reduce the therapeutic effectiveness. In this study, we employed 2,2'-((2Z,2'Z)-((4,4,9,9-Tetrahexyl-4,9-dihydro-s-indaceno[1,2-b:5,6-b']dithiophene-2,7-diyl)bis(methanylylidene))bis(3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indene-2,1-diylidene)) dimalononitrile (IDIC), a molecule possessing a conventional acceptor-donor-acceptor (A-D-A) structure, as a photothermal agent (PTA) to facilitate effective mild photothermal therapy (mPTT). IDIC promotes intramolecular charge transfer under laser irradiation, making it a promising candidate for mPTT. To enhance the therapeutic potential of IDIC, we incorporated quercetin (Qu) into IDIC to form IDIC-Qu nanoparticles (NPs), which can inhibit heat shock protein (HSP) activity during the process of mPTT. Moreover, IDIC-Qu NPs exhibited exceptional water dispersibility and passive targeting abilities towards tumor tissues, attributed to its enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect. These advantageous properties position IDIC-Qu NPs as a promising candidate for targeted tumor treatment. Importantly, the IDIC-Qu NPs demonstrated controllable photothermal effects, leading to outstanding in vitro cytotoxicity against cancer cells and effective in vivo tumor ablation through mPTT. IDIC-Qu NPs nano-system enriches the family of organic PTAs and holds significant promise for future clinical applications of mPTT.

Co-delivery Nano System of MS-275 and V-9302 Induces Pyroptosis and Enhances Anti-Tumor Immunity Against Uveal Melanoma

In the treatment of uveal melanoma (UVM), histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) have emerged as a promising epigenetic therapy. However, their clinical efficacy is hindered by the suboptimal pharmacokinetics and the strong self-rescue of tumor cells. To overcome these limitations, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive nanoparticles (NPs) are designed that encapsulate HDACi MS-275 and the glutamine metabolism inhibitor V-9302. Upon reaching the tumor microenvironment, these NPs can disintegrate, thereby releasing MS-275 to increase the level of ROS and V-9302 to reduce the production of glutathione (GSH) related to self-rescue. These synergistic effects lead to a lethal ROS storm and induce cell pyroptosis. When combined with programmed cell death protein 1 monoclonal antibodies (α-PD-1), these NPs facilitate immune cell infiltration, improving anti-tumor immunity, converting "immune-cold" tumors into "immune-hot" tumors, and enhancing immune memory in mice. The findings present a nano-delivery strategy for the co-delivery of epigenetic therapeutics and metabolic inhibitors, which induces pyroptosis in tumors cells and improves the effectiveness of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Preparation of antioxidant peptides from yak skin gelatin and their protective effect on myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury

We herein report a study on the antioxidant peptides that show potential in alleviating myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury (MI/RI). Yak skin gelatin fraction Ac (YSG-Ac), obtained through ultrafiltration and gel filtration with Sephadex G-15, exhibits a favorable nutrient composition, high foaming capacity and stability, and resistance against gastrointestinal digestion. LC-MS/MS analysis reveals that YSG-Ac contains 26 peptide segments with sequence lengths of 8 to 12 amino acids. Online screening suggests that the antioxidant capacity of YSG-Ac is mainly attributed to the presence of hydrophobic and antioxidant amino acids. In vitro, our results demonstrate the MI/RI protective effects of YSG-Ac by effectively repairing H2O2-induced oxidative damage in H9c2 cells, which is achieved by inhibiting malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and increasing glutathione peroxidase (GSH-pX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. In vivo, our results further confirm the effectiveness of YSG-Ac in narrowing the area of myocardial infarction, decreasing MDA levels, increasing SOD activity, and reducing the content of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in a mouse MI/RI model. Molecular docking analysis indicates that PGADGQPGAK with xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and GAAGPTGPIGS with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) exhibit strong bonding capability, and other related targets also show certain binding ability toward YSG-Ac. This suggests that YSG-Ac can regulate MI/RI through multiple targets and pathways. Overall, our findings highlight the potential of YSG-Ac as a functional food ingredient with antioxidant and MI/RI protective characteristics.

Sorafenib Encapsulated Poly(ester amide) Nanoparticles for Efficient and Biosafe Prostate Cancer Therapy

Prostate cancer (PCa) with a high incidence worldwide is a serious threat to men's health. Despite the continuous development of treatment strategies for PCa in recent years, the long-term prognosis of patients is still poor. Hence, the discovery and development of novel, secure, and efficient therapeutic approaches hold significant clinical significance. Although sorafenib (SOR) displays potential as a therapeutic option for PCa, its clinical efficacy is hindered by drug resistance, limited water solubility, and rapid metabolism. Therefore, we proposed to prepare nanoparticles (named SOR@8P4 NPs) utilizing the phenylalanine-based poly(ester amide) polymer (8P4) as the drug carrier to enhance the solubility and drug stability of SOR and improve the therapeutic targeting and bioavailability. SOR@8P4 NPs had high stability and showed acid-responsive drug release at the acidic tumor microenvironment. Additionally, SOR@8P4 NPs demonstrated more remarkable anticancer, antimetastatic, and antiproliferative abilities in vitro, compared with those of free drugs. SOR@8P4 NPs showed high tumor targeting and significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo. In summary, the drug delivery system of SOR@8P4 NPs provides new ideas for the clinical treatment of PCa.

Advances in Noninvasive Molecular Imaging Probes for Liver Fibrosis Diagnosis

Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing response to chronic liver injury, which may lead to cirrhosis and cancer. Early-stage fibrosis is reversible, and it is difficult to precisely diagnose with conventional imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography, and ultrasound imaging. In contrast, probe-assisted molecular imaging offers a promising noninvasive approach to visualize early fibrosis changes in vivo, thus facilitating early diagnosis and staging liver fibrosis, and even monitoring of the treatment response. Here, the most recent progress in molecular imaging technologies for liver fibrosis is updated. We start by illustrating pathogenesis for liver fibrosis, which includes capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, cellular and molecular processes involved in inflammation and fibrogenesis, as well as processes of collagen synthesis, oxidation, and cross-linking. Furthermore, the biological targets used in molecular imaging of liver fibrosis are summarized, which are composed of receptors on hepatic stellate cells, macrophages, and even liver collagen. Notably, the focus is on insights into the advances in imaging modalities developed for liver fibrosis diagnosis and the update in the corresponding contrast agents. In addition, challenges and opportunities for future research and clinical translation of the molecular imaging modalities and the contrast agents are pointed out. We hope that this review would serve as a guide for scientists and students who are interested in liver fibrosis imaging and treatment, and as well expedite the translation of molecular imaging technologies from bench to bedside.

Clinical Tools for Optimizing Therapeutic Decision-Making in Prostate Cancer: A Five-Year Retrospective Analysis

The effective staging of prostate cancer is essential for optimizing treatment and predicting outcomes. This study assessed the correlation between detailed preoperative diagnostic scores and postoperative outcomes to evaluate the accuracy of cancer restaging and its impact on treatment decisions and prognosis after prostatectomy. This retrospective study analyzed 133 prostate cancer patients who underwent prostatectomies at "Pius Brinzeu" Clinical Emergency Hospital in Timisoara over five years. Preoperative Gleason scores increased significantly across risk categories, from an average of 6.21 in low-risk patients to 7.57 in high-risk patients. This trend continued postoperatively, with scores rising from 7.04 to 8.33, respectively. The average increase in Gleason scores from preoperative to postoperative assessments was most pronounced in high-risk patients, at 0.76. Significant changes in clinical staging included increases in NCCN risk, where high-risk patients showed a 30% increase, and ISUP grade, with a 26.7% increase in the high-risk category. Notably, nodal status changes were also significant in high-risk patients, showing a 23.3% increase. The incidence of MRI-detected adenopathy was notably higher in the high-risk group (50%). Furthermore, there were significant correlations between the preoperative CAPRA score and postoperative ISUP grade (r = 0.261) and the preoperative PIRADS score and postoperative ISUP grade (r = 0.306). Similar observations were made between the preoperative and postoperative Gleason scores (r = 0.286) and the number of positive fragments (r = 0.227) with the postoperative ISUP grading. Furthermore, the preoperative CAPRA score was significantly correlated (r = 0.261) with the postoperative ISUP grading. Preoperative MRI findings, which included assessments of adenopathy and seminal vesicle invasion, were also significantly correlated (r = 0.218) with the postoperative pathological findings. Additionally, a significant correlation was found between the preoperative PIRADS score and postoperative ISUP grade (r = 0.306). In forecasting the aggressiveness and staging of prostate cancer following surgery, preoperative PSA levels showed an AUC of 0.631; the preoperative Gleason score had an AUC adjusted to 0.582, and the number of positive biopsy fragments indicated an AUC of 0.566. These results highlight the necessity of accurate and comprehensive preoperative assessments to better predict disease progression and refine treatment strategies.

A minimalist cancer cell membrane-shielded biomimetic nanoparticle for nasopharyngeal carcinoma active-targeting therapy

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common head and neck malignancy, which is characterized by high incidence and aggression with poor diagnosis and limited therapeutic opportunity. The innovative strategy for achieving precise NPC active-targeting drug delivery has emerged as a prominent focus in clinical research. Here, a minimalist cancer cell membrane (CCM) shielded biomimetic nanoparticle (NP) was designed for NPC active-targeting therapy. Chemotherapeutant model drug doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded in polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer. The PAMAM/DOX (PD) NP was further shielded by human CNE-2 NPC CCM. Characterization results verified that the biomimetic PAMAM/DOX@CCM (abbreviated as PDC) NPs had satisfactory physical properties with high DOX-loading and excellent stability. Cell experiments demonstrated that the CNE-2 membrane-cloaked PDC NPs presented powerful cellular uptake in the sourcing cells by homologous targeting and adhesive interaction. Further in vivo results confirmed that this biomimetic nanoplatform had extended circulation and remarkable tumor-targeting capability, and the PDC NPs effectively suppressed the progression of CNE-2 tumors by systemic administration. This CCM-shielded biomimetic NP displayed a minimalist paradigm nanoplatform for precise NPC therapy, and the strategy of CCM-shielded biomimetic drug delivery system (DDS) has great potential for extensive cancer active-targeting therapy.

Hyaluronan-decorated copper-doxorubicin-anlotinib nanoconjugate for targeted synergistic chemo/chemodynamic/antiangiogenic tritherapy against hepatocellular carcinoma

Copper-based nanomaterials show considerable potential in the chemodynamic therapy of cancers. However, their clinical application is restricted by low catalytic activity in tumor microenvironment and copper-induced tumor angiogenesis. Herein, a novel copper-doxorubicin-anlotinib (CDA) nanoconjugate was constructed by the combination of copper-hydrazide coordination, hydrazone linkage and Schiff base bond. The CDA nanoconjugate consists of a copper-3,3'-dithiobis(propionohydrazide)-doxorubicin core and an anlotinib-hyaluronan shell. Benefiting from hyaluronan camouflage and abundant disulfide bonds and Cu2+, the CDA nanoconjugate possessed excellent tumor-targeting and glutathione-depleting abilities and enhanced chemodynamic efficacy. Released doxorubicin significantly improved copper-mediated chemodynamic therapy by upregulating nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 expression to increase intracellular H2O2 level. Furthermore, the nanoconjugate produced excessive •OH to induce lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial dysfunction, thus greatly elevating doxorubicin-mediated chemotherapy. Importantly, anlotinib effectively inhibited the angiogenic potential of copper ions. In a word, the CDA nanoconjugate is successfully constructed by combined coordination and pH-responsive linkages, and displays the great potential of copper-drug conjugate for targeted synergistic chemo/chemodynamic/antiangiogenic triple therapy against cancers.

Nitric oxide nano-reactor DNMF/PLGA enables tumor vascular microenvironment and chemo-hyperthermia synergetic therapy

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer ranks first among malignant tumors, of which triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by its highly invasive behavior and the worst prognosis. Timely diagnosis and precise treatment of TNBC are substantially challenging. Abnormal tumor vessels play a crucial role in TNBC progression and treatment. Nitric oxide (NO) regulates angiogenesis and maintains vascular homeostasis, while effective NO delivery can normalize the tumor vasculature. Accordingly, we have proposed here a tumor vascular microenvironment remodeling strategy based on NO-induced vessel normalization and extracellular matrix collagen degradation with multimodality imaging-guided nanoparticles against TNBC called DNMF/PLGA.

RESULTS

Nanoparticles were synthesized using a chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DOX), a NO donor L-arginine (L-Arg), ultrasmall spinel ferrites (MnFe2O4), and a poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) shell. Nanoparticle distribution in the tumor was accurately monitored in real-time through highly enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and photoacoustic imaging. Near-infrared irradiation of tumor cells revealed that MnFe2O4 catalyzes the production of a large amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from H2O2, resulting in a cascade catalysis of L-Arg to trigger NO production in the presence of ROS. In addition, DOX activates niacinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase to generate and supply H2O2. The generated NO improves the vascular endothelial cell integrity and pericellular contractility to promote vessel normalization and induces the activation of endogenous matrix metalloproteinases (mainly MMP-1 and MMP-2) so as to promote extravascular collagen degradation, thereby providing an auxiliary mechanism for efficient nanoparticle delivery and DOX penetration. Moreover, the chemotherapeutic effect of DOX and the photothermal effect of MnFe2O4 served as a chemo-hyperthermia synergistic therapy against TNBC.

CONCLUSION

The two therapeutic mechanisms, along with an auxiliary mechanism, were perfectly combined to enhance the therapeutic effects. Briefly, multimodality image-guided nanoparticles provide a reliable strategy for the potential application in the fight against TNBC.

Cu2+-Citrate-Chitosan Complex Nanoparticles for the Chemodynamic Therapy of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer poses a significant threat to human health. Surgical intervention is the preferred treatment modality for lung cancer, but a large number of patients are deprived of the opportunity for surgery for various reasons and are compelled to undergo radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which entail systemic adverse reactions. In recent years, with the advancement of nanomedicine, chemodynamic therapy (CDT) based on free radicals has been extensively investigated. In this study, we fabricated copper-citrate-chitosan composite nanoparticles (CuCC NPs) by encapsulating copper-citrate complexes with natural chitosan polymers, resulting in a substantial reduction in the biotoxicity of copper ions. The CuCC NPs selectively accumulated in tumor tissues through the enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR) and gradually degraded within the acidic and glutathione (GSH)-rich microenvironment of the tumor, thereby releasing the loaded copper ions. Through CDT, the copper ions converted the overexpressed hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the tumor tissue into hydroxyl radicals (•OH), leading to the eradication of tumor cells. In animal experiments, CuCC NPs exhibited remarkable efficacy in CDT. Further histopathological and hematological analyses demonstrated that CuCC NPs could induce substantial apoptosis in tumor tissues while maintaining an extremely high level of safety.

A tumor-targeted and enzyme-responsive gold nanorod-based nanoplatform with facilitated endo-lysosomal escape for synergetic photothermal therapy and protein therapy

To tackle the obstacles related to tumor targeting and overcome the limitations of single treatment models, we have developed a nanoplatform that is both tumor-targeted and enzyme-responsive. This nanoplatform integrates photothermal gold nanorods (AuNRs) and protein drugs into a single system. This nanosystem, known as AuNRs@HA-mPEG-Deta-LA, was fabricated by modifying gold nanorods (AuNRs) with a polymeric ligand called hyaluronic acid-grafted-(mPEG/diethylenetriamine-conjugated-lipoic acid). The purpose of this fabrication was to load cytochrome c (CC) and utilize it for the synergetic protein-photothermal therapy of cancer. The resulting nanoplatform exhibited a high efficiency in loading proteins and demonstrated excellent stability in different biological environments. Additionally, CC-loaded AuNRs@HA-mPEG-Deta-LA not only enabled localized hyperthermia for photothermal therapy (PTT) with laser irradiation but also facilitated the release of CC under the action of hyaluronidase, an enzyme known to be overexpressed in tumor cells. The confocal imaging results demonstrated that the presence of a specific polymeric ligand on this nanoparticle enhances the internalization of CD44-positive cancer cells, accelerates endo/lysosomal escape, and facilitates the controlled release of CC within the cells. Furthermore, the results of the MTT assay also showed that AuNRs@HA-mPEG-Deta-LA as a protein nanocarrier demonstrated excellent biocompatibility. Importantly, this synergistic therapeutic strategy effectively induced apoptosis in A549 cancer cells by increasing the intracellular concentration of CC and utilizing the photothermal conversion of AuNRs, which was observed to be more effective compared to using only protein therapy or PTT. Therefore, this study showcased a nanoplatform based on AuNRs that has great potential for tumor-targeted protein delivery in combination with PTT in cancer treatment.

Nitric oxide releasing novel amino acid-derived polymeric nanotherapeutic with anti-inflammatory properties for rapid wound tissue regeneration

Endogenous gasotransmitter nitric oxide (NO) is a central signalling molecule that modulates wound healing by maintaining homeostasis, collagen formation, wound contraction, anti-microbial action and accelerating tissue regeneration. The optimum delivery of NO using nanoparticles (NPs) is clinically challenging; hence, it is drawing significant attention in wound healing. Herein, a novel polymeric nanoplatform loaded with sodium nitroprusside (SP) NPs was prepared and used for wound healing to obtain the sustained release of NO in therapeutic quantities. SP NPs-induced excellent proliferation (∼300%) of mouse fibroblast (L929) cells was observed. With an increase in the SP NPs dose at 200 μg mL-1 concentration, a 200% upsurge in proliferation was observed along with enhanced migration, and only 17.09 h were required to fill the 50% gap compared to 37.85 h required by the control group. Further, SP NPs showed an insignificant impact on the coagulation cascade, revealing safe wound-healing treatment when tested in isolated rat RBCs. Additionally, SP NPs exhibited excellent angiogenic activity at a 10 μg mL-1 dose. Moreover, the formulated SP nanoformulation is non-irritant, non-toxic, and does not produce any skin sensitivity reaction on the rat's skin. Further, an in vivo wound healing study revealed that within 11 days of treatment with SP nanoformulation, 99.2 ± 1.0% of the wound was closed, while in the control group, only 45.5 ± 3.8% was repaired. These results indicate that owing to sustained NO release, the SP NP and SP nanoformulations are paramount with enormous clinical potential for the regeneration of wound tissues.